Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and sweeping expanses Vista Verde Ranch is truly a little bit of heaven on earth. Located just north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado this luxury all-inclusive dude ranch exudes warm western hospitality, personalized service, and every amenity you could ask for in a very romantic setting. A romantic dude ranch you ask?  One might not immediately think of a dude ranch as the perfect setting for an intimate elopement or honeymoon but for the couple who envision a magnificent mountain setting, year-round activities, and cozy cabins to retreat to you may want to think again.

Photo by Carolyn Steere

Photo by Jad Davenport

The majestic main lodge is the hub of the resort and the gathering place for guests, where sumptuous meals are served and ranch activities are coordinated. Accommodations range from a cozy lodge-style room to private cabins, which are rustic on the outside but afford luxurious amenities on the inside. The ranch staff knows your name from the moment you arrive, actively engages you to ensure you are aware of all the activities available at the ranch and absolutely loves getting creative in planning memorable elopements or honeymoons. Whether it is a cabin adorned with roses and candles or a sleigh or trail ride to a private engagement spot, Vista Verde Ranch is the ideal romantic destination for a couple seeking adventurous activity without sacrificing the creature comforts.

On-site summer activities at Vista Verde include horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and fly fishing and all are personalized with instruction at every level. There is also a heated pool when you are ready to just relax and enjoy the magnificent beauty of this mountain ranch. When the snow starts to fall the fun transitions to horse-drawn sleigh rides complete with bells, backcountry and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and horseback riding through the untouched powder…all within steps of the gorgeous lodge.

Photo by Jad Davenport

When you come in from the chill, the atmosphere of warmth and hospitality as you interact with the staff is distinctively welcoming and they make you feel part of the Vista Verde family. Wine tasting in the evening, cooking lessons and photography classes are all part of the weekly activities to keep you busy when you want to be, but the cozy, romantic cabins afford privacy and solitude as well. The ranch also makes it easy to spend a day skiing or snowboarding the slopes of Steamboat or exploring the restaurants, shops and galleries in town.

Vista Verde Ranch is “a little bit luxury, a little bit Old West, a place for adventure, and a place for rest.” It is no wonder many guests return year after year and travel great distances to enjoy this idyllic location. It is definitely an elopement or honeymoon location to put on your shortlist.

Photo by Benjamin Rasmussen